Spain vs. USA: Turning Points

The U.S.’s improbable win over Spain will have U.S. soccer fans talking for years to come. As one of, if not the, biggest win the U.S. has ever had, with the win over Spain the world will now be wondering if the Americans have arrived as a footballing nation.

So how did it all happen? What moments changed the match?

For starters, the inclusion of Carlos Bocanegra at the left back was a great move from manager Bob Bradley. Not simply because Bocanegra played well, but the move to push the Rennes man out wide kept Jay Demerit on the pitch.

The first big turning point of the match was clearly Jozy Altidore’s goal. Though the U.S. and Spain were back and forth in the early going, things were turning in favor of the Spanish giants. Altidore used his big frame to hold off Joan Capdevila after receiving a ball from Clint Dempsey and pounded his shot past Iker Casillas to give the U.S. a 1-0 lead.

After that there weren't many turning points, but mostly revolved around the great defensive effort of the U.S. back four. All credit is due to Jay Demerit, Oguchi Onyewu, Carlos Bocanegra, and Jonathan Spector for their performance, but time and again Tim Howard came up with big saves at the vital moment.

In the second half Spain showed up, controlling possession, and working for good opportunities. The U.S. was pushed back, defending frantically, but big blocks from Ricardo Clark, Demerit, and Bocanegra helped keep the clean sheet long enough.

The next big turning point was the bringing on of Benny Feilhaber which was another tactical move from Bradley that worked out well. Feilhaber came on for Charlie Davies, pushing Dempsey up front in an attempt to gain more control of a match that was quickly slipping away.

The move paid off just moments later when Feilhaber made a great run through the middle with the ball at his feet, eventually finding Landon Donovan streaking down the flank. Donovan’s decision to cross rather than shoot may come under question, but the result never will. Sergio Ramos took a touch before clearing, leaving just enough time for Dempsey to slide in and push the ball into the back of the net.

The final turning point was Michael Bradley’s sending off. For the third time in four matches, the U.S. ended with ten men on the field. Fortunately for Bradley’s side, they were holding a two goal lead at the time.

The frantic finish led to nothing more for Spain, and the U.S. claimed possibly the biggest win in the history of U.S. Soccer.

Goal.com wants to know what you think. Tell us what moment(s) you thought changed the game in the comments below.

Allen Ramsey, Goal.com

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